Majority World - Gram Vikas

Photo assignment for Majority World for STARS Foundation: Gram Vikas

Gram Vikas’ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers. The work is concentrated in the South and South Western parts of the state and two districts in the north.

According to the census data available (2001) Orissa has a population of close to 37 million, of which 88% live in rural areas. Despite its natural advantages, average per capita income is only 73% of the national average, with 47% of the population, around 17.8 million people, living below the poverty line. Poverty is significantly worse in the western and southern districts of the state, which have a higher proportion of adivasis and dalits. Health and education facilities function poorly, communication and transport are underdeveloped, and local resources are grossly under-utilised. Adivasi and dalit communities together form about 39% of the total population (Scheduled tribes - 22.5% and Scheduled castes - 16.5%). Constitutionally bracketed as 'scheduled', people belonging to these sections of the society have been deprived for centuries and even today find themselves at the bottom of the rung in economic and human development indicators. Literacy rates in rural areas is 58% (71% for males and 44% for females) as compared to the state average of 63% (76% males and 50% females). High rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality contribute to the image of being a poor and backward state. 80% of the instances of morbidity and mortality cases in rural areas are caused by water-borne diseases. Less than 7% of rural households have access to safe sanitation, less than 20% of rural population has access to protected water and no more than 1% to piped water supply. Orissa has less labour opportunities for female population – the total women workforce representing only 31%. More than 70% households have no electricity connection.

Gram Vikas founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Gram Vikas founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Farmers work in the fields growing rice and other crops near Jaleripentho village.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Women washing and bathing in a water body near Jaleripentho village. Villages which are not part of Gram Vikas' programme do not have running and clean water. Men and women bath and wash in the same water on either sides of the banks.

In villages where Gram Vikas work, there is clean running water. Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Chandan bathing in in the bathroom at his home under running tap water at Lunduriguda village in Orissa provided by Gram Vikas.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Chandan just after bathing in the bathroom at his home in Lunduriguda village which has clean running tap water as provided by Gram Vikas as part of its work on water and sanitation.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers. The work is concentrated in the South and South Western parts of the state and two districts in the north.

Nandini washing under running water from a tap provided by Gram Vikas in Lunduriguda village in Orissa.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Banita and Bobi washing their plates after having their mid-day meal at school in Lunduriguda village. The running clean water is provided by Gram Vikas.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

School children sharing a water tap and having clean water provided to the village by Gram Vikas.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

A lady using the toilet at the back of the house built by Gram Vikas in Jaleripentho village.

According to the data available (2001) in Orissa, 80% of the instances of morbidity and mortality cases in rural areas are caused by water-borne diseases. Less than 7% of rural households have access to safe sanitation, less than 20% of rural population has access to protected water and no more than 1% to piped water supply.

P.Toba in orange saree along with her friend walking in light rain. The lady is carrying water in a can on her head but unlike her from the neighbouring village, women in Jaleripentho village don't have to spend hours filling and carrying water since they receive clean tap water in their homes due to the work of Gram Vikas.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. According to the census data available (2001) Orissa has a population of close to 37 million, of which 88% live in rural areas. Despite its natural advantages, average per capita income is only 73% of the national average, with 47% of the population, around 17.8 million people, living below the poverty line. Poverty is significantly worse in the western and southern districts of the state, which have a higher proportion of adivasis and dalits. Health and education facilities function poorly, communication and transport are underdeveloped.

Lady from the neighbouring village of Jaleripentho village walking in light rain carrying water in a can on her head. Women in Jaleripentho village don't have to spend hours filling and carrying water since they receive clean tap water in their homes due to the work of Gram Vikas.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. According to the census data available (2001) Orissa has a population of close to 37 million, of which 88% live in rural areas. Despite its natural advantages, average per capita income is only 73% of the national average, with 47% of the population, around 17.8 million people, living below the poverty line. Poverty is significantly worse in the western and southern districts of the state, which have a higher proportion of adivasis and dalits. Health and education facilities function poorly, communication and transport are underdeveloped.

G.Yoshada in Jaleripentho village washing and cleaning herself in the bathing facility with clean tap water provided by Gram Vikas. Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

80% of the instances of morbidity and mortality cases in rural areas are caused by water-borne diseases. Less than 7% of rural households have access to safe sanitation, less than 20% of rural population has access to protected water and no more than 1% to piped water supply. Orissa has less labour opportunities for female population â€“ the total women workforce representing only 31%. More than 70% households have no electricity connection.

Toilet and bathing facilities in Lunduriguda village have been constructed by Gram Vikas along with the local community.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers. The work is concentrated in the South and South Western parts of the state and two districts in the north.

Teacher at Jaleripentho village school washing hands of the little children after mid-day meals. Clean tap water for the school provided by Gram Vikas ensures that the children are healthy and safe.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

G.Rajesh and P.Sanjana (background) in Jaleripentho village washing their hands with soup under running water after their mid-day meals. Clean tap water for the school by Gram Vikas ensures that the children are healthy and safe.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

G.Jyoti proudly shows her clean hands after washing them in the tap at her school in Jaleripentho village in Orissa.

Clean tap water for the school by Gram Vikas ensures that the children are healthy and safe. Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

G.Jyoti washing her hands and face at the tap in the school in Jaleripentho village. Clean tap water for the school by Gram Vikas ensures that the children are healthy and safe.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

Dev, Devika and Usaha in Jaleripentho village enjoy their mid-day meals. Clean tap water for the school by Gram Vikas ensures that the children are healthy and safe.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

Children in Jaleripentho village enjoy their mid-day meals. Clean tap water for the school by Gram Vikas ensures that the children are healthy and safe.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

B.Tulsi in Jaleripentho village washing her hands after using the toilet.

Study has found that girl-children drop out of school unless adequate toilet facilities are available for them. Clean tap water for this village school is provided by Gram Vikas and this ensures that the children are healthy and safe.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

Brothers G.Santosh and B.Santosh at Jaleripentho village enjoy a bath together under running, clean tap water installed by Gram Vikas.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

Water tank at Jaleripentho village. Community Piped Water Supply and Sanitation Project by Gram Vikas, Mohuda, Ganjam.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

Gram Vikas water tank at Haradanga village, Ganjam which provides clean water to every home in the village.

80% of the instances of morbidity and mortality cases in rural areas are caused by water-borne diseases. Less than 7% of rural households have access to safe sanitation, less than 20% of rural population has access to protected water and no more than 1% to piped water supply. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Water tank and small Gram Vikas office space at the Community Piped Water Supply and Sanitation Project at village Haradango in District Ganjam by Gram Vikas, Mohuda, Ganjam.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 district.

Jashoda from Gram Vikas conducting a community educational programme at Jaleripentho village. Villagers are taught about nutrition, hygiene and diet.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Manas and Jashoda from Gram Vikas conducting a community educational programme at Jaleripentho village. Villagers are taught about nutrition, hygiene and diet.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Women get together outside the meeting space at Community Piped Water Supply and Sanitation Project at village Haradango in District Ganjam by Gram Vikas, Mohuda, Ganjam.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

Women health issues being discussed and information being provided about hygiene, nutrition and diet at village Haradango in District Ganjam by Jashoda of Gram Vikas, Mohuda, Ganjam.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts.

Staff of Gram Vikas and villagers at the Community Piped Water Supply and Sanitation Project at village Haradango in District Ganjam by Gram Vikas, Mohuda, Ganjam. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

G.Setamma, a young mother and her baby have been taught the importance of health, hygiene, nutrition and diet at at village Haradango in District Ganjam by Gram Vikas, Mohuda, Ganjam.

80% of the instances of morbidity and mortality cases in rural areas are caused by water-borne diseases. Less than 7% of rural households have access to safe sanitation, less than 20% of rural population has access to protected water and no more than 1% to piped water supply. Orissa has less labour opportunities for female population â€“ the total women workforce representing only 31%. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Lady sitting outside her house at the first settlement block provided by Gram Vikas.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Tribal lady sitting outside her house at the first settlement block provided by Gram Vikas.
Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Old man sitting outside his house in the first settlement done by Gram Vikas in Orrisa.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Old man sitting outside his house in the first settlement done by Gram Vikas in Orrisa.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. According to the census data available (2001) Orissa literacy rates in rural areas is 58% (71% for males and 44% for females) as compared to the state average of 63% (76% males and 50% females). High rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality contribute to the image of being a poor and backward state.

Bhanu Mallik breast feeding her her baby Krusnha at the cowshed in Lunduriguda village in Orissa.
Gram Vikas provides clean water to the village and also provides training on hygiene and health.

80% of the instances of morbidity and mortality cases in rural areas are caused by water-borne diseases. Less than 7% of rural households have access to safe sanitation, less than 20% of rural population has access to protected water and no more than 1% to piped water supply. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Literacy rates in rural areas is 58% (71% for males and 44% for females) as compared to the state average of 63% (76% males and 50% females). High rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality contribute to the image of being a poor and backward state. Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. They registered in 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Literacy rates in rural areas is 58% (71% for males and 44% for females) as compared to the state average of 63% (76% males and 50% females). High rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality contribute to the image of being a poor and backward state. Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. They registered in 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Children returning from school in Lunduriguda village and at their home where they wash up before having a meal.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. Their extensive activism and relief work motivated them to form Gram Vikas, which was registered on January 22, 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Joe Madiath is Founder and Executive Director of Gram Vikas since its inception.

Since 1979, serving as Executive Director of Gram Vikas, Joe Madiath has worked mostly with adivasi communities in rural Orissa on a number of development projects, including biogas promotion, community forestry, rural habitat development, and education. The bulk of Gram Vikas' efforts have been on water and sanitation solutions for the rural poor of Orissa.

Gram Vikas has worked mostly with adivasi communities in rural Orissa on a number of development projects. The bulk of Gram Vikas' efforts have been on water and sanitation solutions for the rural poor of Orissa. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Gram Vikas has worked mostly with adivasi communities in rural Orissa on a number of development projects. The bulk of Gram Vikas' efforts have been on water and sanitation solutions for the rural poor of Orissa. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Jyotiprasad from Gram Vikas (foreground) and Bidhulata (middle) with Lalita in Lunduriguda village.

Literacy rates in rural areas is 58% (71% for males and 44% for females) as compared to the state average of 63% (76% males and 50% females). High rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality contribute to the image of being a poor and backward state. Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. They registered in 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Bathing and toilet facilities in village Lunduriguda which is a cluster of 23 households comprising of scheduled tribe.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. They registered in 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Mid-day meals at Gram Vikas Residential School, Kankia, Ganjam, Orissa.
The school has an excellent academic record of 100% pass rate at the annual HSC examination. Regular health check ups are conducted and the students excel at sports such as weight lifting.

Literacy rates in rural areas is 58% (71% for males and 44% for females) as compared to the state average of 63% (76% males and 50% females). The state also suffers from high rates of infant and maternal mortality.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. They registered in 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha. Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.

Literacy rates in rural areas is 58% (71% for males and 44% for females) as compared to the state average of 63% (76% males and 50% females). The state also suffers from high rates of infant and maternal mortality.

Gram Vikasâ€™ founders came to Orissa in the early 1970s as student volunteers to serve victims of a devastating cyclone. They registered in 1979, and currently serves more than 3,89,333 people in 1196 habitations of 25 districts in Odisha.

Through its direct outreach programmes Gram Vikas works in 943 villages across 23 districts covering 59,132 families of which 39% are adivasis, 14% are dalits and the remainder are from general castes, mostly poor and marginal farmers.